Obituary Overview
John Neil Chikousky
Peacefully, at the age of 75, with his family by his side, John passed away after a brief illness, on Thanksgiving day, Monday, October 8, 2018 at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre.
He was predeceased by his parents, Pete and Rosie Chikousky (nee Kutz), parents-in-law Harry and Eileen Bazilewich, sister Elizabeth Boitson, brothers-in-law Joseph Boitson, Thomas Dubowits, Richard Bazilewich, and nephew Ronald Dubowits.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 45 years Margaret, his daughters Trisha Chikousky (Marvin Schmidt), Nadine Mychalyshyn, Jacelyn Chikousky (Glen Mazur), granddaughter Julia Mychalyshyn, grandson Kyle Schmidt, sisters Nellie Dubowits, Leda (Leonard) Horodecki, several nieces and nephews, uncle Walter Kutz, and many friends.
John was born in Winnipeg, MB and grew up on the family farm in the Kilkenny district near Fisher Branch, MB. He attended and completed diesel mechanics and welding programs, then met and married his life-long partner Margaret in May, 1973, and they were blessed with three daughters.
He worked at various jobs including the Fisher Branch Creamery, Cedar Lake Road Construction, Grand Rapids Construction, Red River Construction, and Versatile Manufacturing.
Then, at the age of 35, he returned to the family farm homestead to pursue his true and life-long passion for farming, where he operated a successful mixed farm for 36 years. He loved all aspects of farm life, as well as the challenges and accomplishments achieved by his work.
John was extremely talented and mechanically inclined, and spent many extensive hours sketching his own blueprints, then customizing, fabricating, welding, and machining his own parts and equipment. He was very proud of his farm, keeping the land, buildings, and equipment in immaculate condition at all times, and he held a very special affinity for his cattle and horses. Due to health conditions, John sold the farm and settled to retire with his wife in Selkirk, MB.
He very much enjoyed his many good friends and neighbors, and highly appreciated his relationships with each and every one of them, who all offered backgrounds from many different walks of life. Visitors were always welcome, and he valued and respected various ideas and beliefs, viewing them as opportunities to discuss, share, and learn from one another.
As per John’s wishes, a private service for family and close friends to celebrate his life and memories was held.
In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made, if desired, to Cancer Care Manitoba.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de John Neil Chikousky 2018..
Décès pour la Ville: West St Paul, Province: Manitoba
